Toys Testing
Standard Analytical Laboratory established in 1989 is a Toys Testing as per IS -9873 (Part 1 , 2 , 3 and 9 ) as well as IS 15644 ( Safety of Electrical Toys).
At SAL we verify the QUALITY, DESIGN and most importantly the SAFETY of a wide variety of toys and children related products to meet the requirements of Govt. of India as well as the process of Custom Clearance.
Toy safety is the practice of ensuring that toys, especially those made for children, are safe, usually through the application of set safety standards. In many countries, commercial toys must be able to pass safety tests in order to be sold. In the U.S., some toys must meet national standards, while other toys may not have to meet a defined safety standard. In countries where standards exist, they exist in order to prevent accidents, but there have still been some high-profile product recalls after such problems have occurred. The danger is often not due to faulty design; usage and chance both play a role in injury and death incidents as well.
Common scenarios include:
- Ingestion of magnetic toys
- Choking or aspiration of small parts of the toy
- Cuts by sharp parts of the toy
- Motor toy vehicles incidents involving hair
- Chemical substance
Safety Testing
The EU Commission expert group on toy safety regularly publishes a large number of guidance documents intended to help on interpretation issues related to the Toy Safety Directive. Toy manufacturers need stay abreast of regulatory changes and be sure that their products comply with the new requirements.
Therefore, it is vital to perform tests and risk assessments for every product before selling them in the designated market. This is important for every manufacturer as they can be held liable for injuries and fatalities resulting from design aws, use of unsuitable materials, and substandard production.
The following safety tests are performed:
- Mechanical/physical testing
- Flammability testing
- Electrical safety testing
- Labelling
- Chemical testing
A certificate that the toys being imported into India must confirm conformance to the below specified Indian Toy Standards:
- IS-9873 (Part 1) - Safety of Toys: Part 1 Safety aspects related to mechanical and physical properties (Third Revision)
- IS-9873 (Part 2) - Safety of Toys: Part 2 Flammability (Third Revision)
- IS-9873 (Part 3) - Safety of Toys: Part 3 Migration of certain elements (Second Revision)
- IS-9873 (Part 4) - Safety of Toys: Part 4 Swings, slides and similar activities toys for indoor and outdoor family domestic use
- IS-9873 (Part 7) - Safety of Toys: Part 7 Requirements and test methods for finger paints
- IS-9873 (Part 9) - Safety of Toys: Part 9 Certain phthalates esters in toys and children's products
- IS-15644 - Safety of Electric Toys
10 Toy Safety Tips
- Always pay close attention to the age recommendations on toys and choose one according to a child's age, interest and skill level. Also, be aware of other safety labels such as "Flame retardant/ ame resistant" or "Washable/Hygienic materials" on dolls and other stuffed toys.
- Discard the plastic wrappings from toys immediately; they become deadly playthings to small children.
- For children under one choose toys that are colourful, lightweight, have various textures and are made of non-toxic materials. Children this age learn through sight, touch, sound and taste and often put things into their mouths to explore them.
- Don't give young children any toys with small parts such as removable eyes, noses, etc., they are choking hazards.
- Inspect all toys for sharp points or edges made from such materials as metal or glass—these toys should not be given to children under eight years of age. This includes stuffed animals with wires that could stab, cut or shock if exposed.
- Toys with strings, cords or ribbons of any kind should not be hung in cribs or playpens. Young children can become entangled which can cause injury or death.
- Teach older children to keep their toys that may have removable small parts, sharp points or toys ran on electricity out of reach of younger siblings. Young children are very curious and may investigate toys that aren't appropriate for them.
- Keep toys and play equipment in good condition, discard any toys that are broken to prevent injuries.
- Supervision is essential; provide safe hazard free play environments both indoors and outdoors. Toys get used and abused by children; regularly conduct a toy maintenance check for safety and durability.
- Teach children early to put toys away when they are nished playing with them. This will prevent accidental falls over them.
